Almond Butter Quinoa Blondies Make 2015 the year of mindfulness. This includes mindful indulgences too! Switch up your recipes a bit and try something new and tasty. This Almond Butter Quinoa Blondie is made with quinoa flour, which you can find in the baking section or near the gluten-free flours in most natural grocers. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, make your own quinoa flour by using a clean coffee grinder to grind whole grains of quinoa into a powder. These blondies have less than 150 calories per serving, and higher protein content than your average dessert. Replace the dark chocolate chips with dried fruit (I suggest dried apples or cranberries), and you will have a great breakfast side option. Embrace the theme of mindfulness by slowing down and enjoying every bite. Makes: 24 blondies Prep: 10 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Ingredients 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup smooth or crunchy natural almond butter 2 large eggs 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4...

Travel is not always ideal for maintaining healthy eating behaviors. See below for 6 easy tips to avoid coming home and feeling like you need a cleanse! 1. Pack your first meal. Whether on the road or in the air, pack your first meal so you don’t have to eat the junk on the highway or in the airport. Yes, you can take food through security! 2. Bring a reusable water bottle. Refill it when you get through security or at the gas station. Preventing dehydration helps your energy level and prevents you from thinking you are hungry when it’s actually thirst. 3. Pack non-perishable snacks. Apples, nuts, beef jerky and some bars travel very well. I like Probars as a convenient meal replacement when on the run. 4. Workout. I know this isn’t eating-related, but we always eat better when we maintain regular exercise! Stay consistent. 5. Eat protein with every meal. Protein helps us feel more satisfied and less hungry; it also contributes to balanced and sustained...

Excerpts from Laura’s letter to the successful participants! CONGRATULATIONS!!! You just survived three full weeks without added sugar during the hardest time of year for a sugar lover. While everyone around you is overindulging, you’ve remained cool, calm and collected keeping your eye on the prize. You did it! The purpose of this challenge was not just to reduce our sugar intake for health’s sake, but also to learn about the ingredients of the food we eat and to prove to ourselves that we have control over our cravings. Did you learn a thing or two? Testimonials: “I am glad that I have taken this challenge with this wonderful group of people for support and encouragement. It helped me realizing the self-discipline power that I didn’t know I had.” – Somayya Rodriguez “I am loving my diet so much. Feeling invigorated, light, agile. I think I’m going to keep going with it. Tack on another month! Jan 25th here I come!” – Zoe Mantarakis “I...

Pure Austin member, Nick Jenkins, started working with Haley in September and has since lost over 15 pounds and 4% body fat! He is right on track and almost halfway to his goal weight. Nick is also working hard in the gym with personal trainer David Schulze. David noted Nick’s commitment to exercise and his strong work ethic as two major contributors to his continued results. Haley said that the best part about working with Nick is his eagerness to learn and his steadfast motivation. Nick is learning how to fuel his body appropriately with food and how to identify and manage cravings. He is also starting to increase his confidence in the kitchen. Nick successfully navigated the holidays, with Haley’s advice, and lost 3 pounds over Thanksgiving! David and Haley both feel confident that Nick is on the right track to sustainable results. Keep it up, Nick! “Working with Haley has been a tremendous experience. She has really given me the tools I need to achieve my goals....

Pure Austin member Al Yablonsky is losing weight and making it look easy with the help of our dietitian, Haley Hall. Al joined Pure Austin in April and has since lost 26lbs! He is exercising regularly and intensely. You can often spot him in Blackout or running around the Lady Bird Lake. Haley has helped him make realistic and sustainable changes to his diet. He is currently learning how to fuel appropriately for exercise and hopes to test out his new knowledge of sports nutrition during a half marathon early next year. Keep it up, Al! If you are ready to tackle your goals and improve your nutrition, let Haley help you achieve results. Contact her at...